Anxiety and the use of Klonopin

[hippietrippiechick]

I am just wondering what opinion I can get regarding anxiety and the use of Klonopin. I don't want to have to take Ativan or xanax

[RCA 7591]

I've been taking Klonopin 0.25 mg BID (twice a day) for about one month now. It has really helped with the anxiety, and seems to block panic attacks well. Occassionally, I develop some "breakthrough" anxiety, but for the most part, the Klonopin has helped greatly.

0.25 mg BID is the recommended starting dosage, according to Roche (the manufacturer). I'll be increasing the dose to 0.5 mg BID next week (as per the advice of my psychiatrist), to see if any additional benefit can be obtained.

You didn't state what type of anxiety you're experiencing, but Klonopin is usually used for "panic disorder". It will not stop a sudden attack, it has a very gradual onset on action (over a period of one hour or slightly more in my case). For stopping panic, Ativan or Xanax used PRN is a better choice. Klonopin is a good maintenance benzodiazepine, for preventing panic/anxiety. Used reasonably, the anxiolytic effect is maintained.

The other benefit of using Klonopin (or Valium, Librium, Tranxene) is the longer half-life. The effects are long lasting (12 hrs plus), and you won't get the feeling that its wearing off.

If you are affected by panic/anxiety on a daily basis, Klonopin is probably the best choice. If you have occassional panic attacks, Ativan or Xanax used PRN may be better.

My anxiety is geared towards my health (heart in particular), and I have panic attacks while driving (and in most social situations). Over a two year span, the symptoms became so severe that I became agoraphobic (not wanting to leave the house for fear of a panic attack). I also have a constellation of other unexplainable symptoms that are mainly fueled by anxiety. For this, the Klonopin has worked wonders. It's not a cure by any means, but it will offer some relief.

As far as side effects are concerned, there are none that I'm able to discern (at least at 0.25 mg). Just a feeling of "normal"

Best regards,

Ryan

[suzi-q]

I take Klonopin, but not everyday....I take buspar and paxil for my panic and depression on a daily basis.  I take the Klonopin when I am having an anxiety feeling and knowing that it is going to be a bad day.  I sometimes take it at night to calm myself down so I can have a restful nights sleep.  I take .25 when I take it also....It calms you ever so slightly so it helps you feel even.  

just a suggestion:  when beginning Klonopin, see the effects first before driving or "operating heavy machinery"  especially a vacuum!!!(trying some humor here).  Seriously, it does make some people sleepy and you need to see its effects on you.

[hippietrippiechick]

I take 1mg of Klonopin 4 times a day. It started as 1/2 mg. My tolorance is getting worse, even with pain meds, anyone ever been on this high of a dose. I think it helps

[RCA 7591]

4 mg daily is the maximum recommended dose for panic disorder (according to Roche). This is not excessive (if prescribed by a doctor), and provided that it has a therapeutic effect for you. If you feel the need to increase the dose beyond 4 mg, you should consult with your doctor about another drug choice, as the Klonopin is loosing its efficacy.

Generally speaking, the sedative effects tend to wear off rather quickly (and this can give the impression that the drug is no longer working). However, the anxiolytic effect is usually maintained in folks using it for anxiety/panic in reasonable doses (under 4 mg).

The major concern with Klonopin, when used over the average 1 mg daily does, is physical dependency. Withdrawing from a 4 mg dose may be difficult (should you ever need to), and must be done very gradually to minimize withdrawal effects. The dose should be decreased in 0.125 mg incriments not more than every three days.

If you are concerned that the Klonopin is loosing its efficacy, you need to let the doctor know.

Best regards,

Ryan

[Littlestk4]

I feel tired all day every day is this the drug or just me.

[Brenndy]

Hey Hippie,

Yea...I was on 1 mg 4 x daily Klonopin.  I didn't feel sedated, groggy...just..normal, whatever that may be.  Not tired here.  I believe metabolism plays a huge roll.

Ryan:  THANK YOU for the wealth of information, always..

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

hi ryan glad to see you on

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

lol oh just saw this a old one from 07 so guess he not here .

[Ryan7591]

A blast from the past! This thread is almost two years old, and was written about one month after this community opened in December of 2006.

Barbara - I had some computer issues a while back (lost my hard drive), and haven't posted anything since August. I've been lurking from time to time, but the site appears to have a completely new audience and group of folks. It's always good to hear from you, and you have my e-mail should you feel compelled to write. You can write to me anytime.

Brenndy - I received an e-mail on an old account that is no longer in use that you sent me a private message. "RCA 7591" is no longer a valid user account, so there is no possible way for me to read your message. If you want, you can send it to "Ryan7591" or:

acousticsspecialists AT gmail *******.

It's always interesting to read these ancient threads. I started taking Klonopin in December of '06 (0.25 mg, b.i.d.), increased to 0.5 mg, b.i.d. in January of '07, and ultimately to 0.5 mg, t.i.d. and remained at that dosage until January of '08. It was then replaced with 40 mg of Valium (10 mg, q.i.d.), and today I take nothing except for Ativan or Xanax as-needed - very, very infrequently.

To answer Littletk4's question, re: "problem sedation" --

The recommended starting dosage for Klonopin is 0.25 milligrams twice daily. According to the literature, this is to be increased to the target dosage of 0.5 milligrams twice daily after a period of three days. However, this drug must ultimately be individualized to suit your particular needs. Problem sedation typically disappears after two weeks to one month of chronic administration. If you start at 0.25 mg twice daily and titrate the dosage upwards as needed and tolerated, you should not experience a problem. Speak with the prescribing doctor in regard to dosage titration to minimize the possibility of sedation, somnolence, ataxia, or other untoward effects. Should they persist, there are plenty of other options available.


Ryan

[mjayy]

I was just given klonopin 0.5mg one twice daily as needed for panic attacks, and i'm really well, panicky about taking it. Any suggestions or support.

Thanks guys